Periods Of Scarcity Research Articles

A review of paleofloods in the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River during the Holocene: Processes, causes and effects

The understanding of the flooding processes in the entire basin of the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLRYR) during the Holocene remains elusive. This is primarily attributed to the constraints posed by site-scale data characterized by limited spatiotemporal resolutions, compounded by conflicting results of the reconstructed Holocene paleoflood records in some of the previous studies. In this study, by synthesizing 114 paleoflood data with robust evidence of flood occurrence (including timing and location of flood occurrence), we comprehensively reconstructed the first continuous Holocene paleoflood record that cover the entire basin of the MLRYR. The results show that at the onset of the Holocene, flood frequency peaked notably in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (MRYR), with no corresponding peak observed in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River (LRYR). However, in both the MRYR and LRYR, a significant flood frequency peak emerged around 8.0 ± 0.5 ka BP, and scarce flood occurrences appeared approximately 7.5–5.0 ka BP. This scarcity shifted abruptly to a surge in flood frequency from 5.0–4.0 ka BP. Following this, the MRYR witnessed three successive peaks in flood frequency, occurring at approximately 3.0 ka BP, 1.8 ka BP, and 1.0 ka BP, respectively. In contrast, flood events in the LRYR were infrequent during the 3.0–2.0 ka BP period, followed by a surge in frequency from 2.0 ka BP onwards. We further explored the driving mechanisms of paleofloods in the MLRYR and found that floods were more likely to occur during periods of weakened EASM, characterized by wet and unstable climate conditions in the MLRYR. Marine erosion may be also a key factor in the lack of geological evidence for palaeofloods during the early Holocene. Additionally, variations in the ISM and human activities during the late Holocene have significantly influenced the occurrence of floods in the MLRYR. By comparing the paleoflood frequency with the spatial distribution and number of archaeological sites in the MLRYR, respectively, we propose that the period of flood scarcity during the middle Holocene may have facilitated the development of rice agriculture and the prosperity of ancient settlements. In contrast, during flood-prone period, ancient societies adapted and coped with floods by migrating to higher terrain during the early Holocene and implementing simple hydraulic engineering techniques during the late Holocene.

Factors Affecting Consumption Patterns of Neglected and Underutilized Species in Atacora, Northern Benin.

Many recent efforts focus on promoting neglected and underutilized species (NUS) for improved nutrition, but consumption depends on various factors. With this in mind, this study aims to understand the factors associated with the consumption patterns of Adansonia digitata, Ocimum gratissimum, Vigna radiata, and Moringa oleifera by households in Atacora, northern Benin. To achieve this, a food consumption survey was carried out in three (03) communes. Two villages per commune were randomly selected to carry out the food consumption frequencies of households through a 7-day recall for periods of abundance and scarcity. A multinomial regression model was used to explain the consumption frequency of species depending on socio-demographic factors and seasonality. Different parts of these different species targeted were used in various forms to prepare sauces, porridges, juices, etc. Baobab- and moringa-based foods appeared to be the most widely consumed foods, regardless of the season. Even though fresh moringa leaves sauce and baobab seeds sauce were consumed mostly in periods of scarcity. The probability of rarely consuming foods made from these species was lower for households living in Toucoutouna and Tanguiéta compared to Natitingou. Furthermore, the consumption of these foods was usually higher for mothers who were students, hairdressers or seamstresses compared to housewives (P < 0.05). The consumption patterns then vary from species to species and are influenced by demographic factors such as household location and mother's occupation. Promoting NUS among the population is essential to increase awareness of their nutritional importance and improve their consumption.

Government crisis communication tools in the light of the extreme drought of 2022

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the communication of the drought (water crisis) of 2022. As water is a vital element, the alpha and omega of survival, the authors should expect the emergence of existential anxieties during related crises that may result in messages being ignored. This makes the communication of the responsible public authority even more difficult. The authors’ aim to make forward-looking recommendations for water professionals in the face of future water crises. Methodology: In order to help develop more effective crisis communication the authors analysed the National Directorate General for Water Management’s communications before, during and after the crisis (using the method of media monitoring and analysis) and carried out the evaluation based on their own criteria, which were compiled on the basis of the literature. They conclude their summary findings by making recommendations. Findings: In their opinion, although the communication of the OVF has been characterised by a rapid and accurate flow of information, the role of social responsibility should be strengthened in the future. The proportion of textual and visual content and the choice of publication channels should be reconsidered. Value: Due to the acceleration of the hydrological cycle, it is likely that in the future humanity will have to prepare for more intense periods of extreme water scarcity. According to satellite gravimetric measurements, the water security of the Carpathian Basin is changing in a negative direction. The authors’ results underline that the emerging climate crisis opens up new dimensions in governmental/authority crisis communication, both in terms of preparedness and response.

A kormányzati kríziskommunikáció eszközei a 2022. évi rendkívüli aszály tükrében

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the communication of the drought (water crisis) of 2022. As water is a vital element, the alpha and omega of survival, the authors should expect the emergence of existential anxieties during related crises that may result in messages being ignored. This makes the communication of the responsible public authority even more difficult. The authors’ aim to make forward-looking recommendations for water professionals in the face of future water crises. Methodology: In order to help develop more effective crisis communication the authors analysed the National Directorate General for Water Management’s communications before, during and after the crisis (using the method of media monitoring and analysis) and carried out the evaluation based on their own criteria, which were compiled on the basis of the literature. They conclude their summary findings by making recommendations. Findings: In their opinion, although the communication of the OVF has been characterised by a rapid and accurate flow of information, the role of social responsibility should be strengthened in the future. The proportion of textual and visual content and the choice of publication channels should be reconsidered. Value: Due to the acceleration of the hydrological cycle, it is likely that in the future humanity will have to prepare for more intense periods of extreme water scarcity. According to satellite gravimetric measurements, the water security of the Carpathian Basin is changing in a negative direction. The authors’ results underline that the emerging climate crisis opens up new dimensions in governmental/authority crisis communication, both in terms of preparedness and response.

The interplay of resource availability and parent foraging strategies on juvenile sparrow individual specialization

Temporal variation in resource availability, amplified by global change, may have strong impacts on species breeding at temperate and high latitudes that cue their reproduction to exploit seasonal resource pulses. This study examines how resource availability and parental care influence niche partitioning between and within age classes in the rufous‐collared sparrow, which provides extensive parental care. We hypothesized juveniles would exhibit narrower niches focused on high‐quality resources compared to adults, regardless of resource availability. We used stable isotope analysis to quantify individual and population niches in juveniles and adults across the breeding season in two cohorts experiencing contrasting resource landscapes. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, juveniles exhibited greater among‐individual diet variation and smaller total niche widths (i.e. higher levels of individual specialization, IS) during periods of high food availability in comparison to periods of food scarcity. Interestingly, total niche width and IS of adults remained stable across seasons despite a shift in trophic level, highlighting their potential role in providing a consistent diet for their young. These findings reveal a dynamic interplay between resource availability, parental care, and IS, with important implications for understanding population resilience under variable resource scenarios. The study also suggests that adult sparrows modify their provisioning strategies based on resources, potentially buffering offspring from environmental fluctuations. Understanding age‐specific responses to resource variation is crucial for predicting species responses to ecological conditions, particularly in regions like central Chile where seasonal resource limitation is expected to become more variable in response to climate change.

Research on the Constructed-Wetland/Regulation-Tank System at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana's Bogotá Campus

The stormwater harvesting (SWH) project at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá) began in 2007, initiated by the Water and Environmental Engineering research group (Ciencia e Ingeniería del Agua y el Ambiente), as part of PUJB's Environmental Management Plan and in collaboration with the University's Office of Physical Resources. This process included assessments of water supply and demand, rainwater quality, and financial and construction considerations. The system—a constructed wetland/regulation tank (CWRT)—collects rainwater runoff from the university's parking building (3,776 m²), the soccer field, and surrounding areas (14,816 m²). Beyond its hydrological performance, especially during periods of water scarcity, the system also functions as a full-scale laboratory to study biodiversity and ecological impacts in hydrological and hydraulic processes. The monitoring program, focused on changes in rainwater quantity and quality, has inspired several master's and doctoral research projects. These studies explore critical topics in urban hydrology, including stormwater harvesting, urban sediment management, real-time decision-making systems, and environmental and human health. This paper outlines the development of the stormwater harvesting system, shares the main findings from research projects, and discusses ongoing projects.

Measuring behavioral synchronization and spatial cohesion in the activity budgets of three adult white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) dyads in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand.

Individual behavior of primates living in small groups is often seen to represent behavior of all group members due to close spatial cohesion. However, given that females expend more energy on reproduction than males (including lactation and infant carrying), females and males may exhibit different behaviors even when maintaining spatial proximity, particularly in highly seasonal or resource-poor environments. We collected 187 hours of data from three dyads (n= 6 individuals) of white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) living in a fruit-poor environment in western Thailand during the period of fruit scarcity. We calculated activity budgets, dyad behavioral synchronization, and dyad spatial cohesion. We hypothesized that activity budgets would differ significantly between sexes or pairs would engage in behaviors independently to provide females with an opportunity to obtain more resources. We also hypothesized that pairs would remain in close proximity. Overall, activity budgets exhibited significant variation when analyzed by sex (X2= 27.693, P ⩽ 0.001) and group (X2= 119.584, P ⩽ 0.001). Females spent less time resting and vocalizing and more time traveling compared to males. Percentages of synchronized behavior were lower than expected with only 55% of records synchronized (group B: 58.6%; group D: 58.5%; group L: 49.7%). Spatial cohesion, however, was relatively high overall with adults in the same or adjacent trees in 67.1% of paired records but significantly variable across groups (B: 89.4%; D: 73.1%; L: 48.2%; X2= 190.111, P ⩽ 0.001). We suggest that behavioral synchronization and spatial cohesion may be indicators of pair bond strength, not just the result of pair living. Given differences in activity budgets, low behavioral synchronization, and variable amounts of time pair mates spent apart, we conclude that pair mates should be considered individual actors who engage in behaviors independently from one another, particularly when coping with challenging ecological conditions.

An integrated food management framework: A preventive measure for food scarcity during the Prabowo Subianto administration

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported in 2024 that Indonesia is at risk of facing a future food crisis if adequate food supply is not ensured. A critical aspect of food management in Indonesia lies in its management systems. Thus, this study aims to review the extent to which food management under the Joko Widodo administration has been integrated to address food shortages. Further, this study will develop an integrated food management system as an alternative to prevent food scarcity during the Prabowo Subianto administration. The methodology involves a literature review and in-depth interviews with stakeholders involved in managing the national food reserve. Findings indicate that food management in Indonesia remains fragmented and lacks integration between central and local governments, hindering effective food management during periods of scarcity. Based on an online website, the proposed integrated food management framework aims to simplify national food management and prevent food shortages.

Insights into artificial waterhole utilization patterns by elephants and rhinos: Lessons from a South African Nature Reserve.

Artificial water provisioning is a common practice in southern African nature reserves, where different game species exhibit preferences for specific waterhole types. The movement patterns and behaviour of elephants and rhinos are closely linked to water availability, with these mega-herbivores noticeably influencing the environment and other species they interact with at waterholes. Since there is limited research on this topic, understanding preferences for different types of artificial waterholes is crucial, particularly during periods of water scarcity. This knowledge enables reserve managers to effectively manage the numbers and types of waterholes. In this study, we investigate artificial waterhole selection and preferences by elephants and rhinos in the Olifants West Nature Reserve, South Africa. The study area featured various waterhole types, including earth dams, concrete pans, reservoirs, and troughs. By employing camera traps, we analysed visitation frequency, timing of visits, and factors influencing visit frequency. Our findings revealed distinct preferences for specific waterhole types among different social groupings of the study species. Breeding herds of elephants predominantly utilized reservoirs and occasionally visited troughs, while bachelor herds favoured earth dams. Black rhinos showed a preference for earth dams, whereas white rhinos selected troughs and earth dams, with bachelor groups favouring troughs and female rhinos favouring earth dams. The outcomes of this study have significant implications for the development of comprehensive conservation plans in areas where these species reside, and for potential release sites.

Investigating the impacts of different degrees of deficit irrigation and nitrogen interactions on assimilate translocation, yield, and resource use efficiencies in winter wheat

Water and nitrogen (N) are recognized as the primary determinants influencing the development and output of winter wheat. They affect the growth of winter wheat not only through their own changes, but also through their interaction. The translocation and accumulation of pre- and post-anthesis assimilates (including dry matter and N) are important physiological processes in winter wheat, which are closely related to the resource use efficiency and yield. However, a dearth of research exists that examines the complex interplay between varying water levels, especially severe water deficit, and N deficiency levels on the growth dynamics of winter wheat. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the effects of different degrees of water deficit and N interaction on assimilate translocation, water and N use efficiency and yield of winter wheat. A four-year long-term field experiment conducted under the rain-out shelter including four irrigation and two N levels was launched during 2019–2023. This method avoided the impact of precipitation on water treatment and helped to achieve serious water deficit treatment. The findings indicated that the higher N application improved the wheat's ability by 49.6 % - 362.3 % to utilize the available soil water. The pre- and post-anthesis translocation and accumulation of assimilates (including dry matter and N) in winter wheat increase alongside elevated levels of water and N application, except under severe water deficit treatment. Plants under mild to moderate water deficit were better able to translocate the pre-anthesis assimilates. However, the severe water deficit hindered the re-translocation of assimilates before anthesis. Providing additional N during periods of severe water scarcity leads to a 13.4 % - 44.7 % reduction in water use efficiency (WUE). Furthermore, both the irrigation water use efficiency and WUE diminished by 10.3 % - 60.5 % and 4.5 % - 41.4 % with higher levels of irrigation, while improved by 24.4 % - 48.2 % and 12.6 % - 39.4 % with higher N application rates. Conversely, N partial factor productivity and N use efficiency followed the opposite trend. Similar to WUE, increasing N application under severe water deficit would result in a yield reduction of 38.7 %. The reduction in crop yield resulting from severe water stress was primarily ascribed to the decline in the kernels number per spike (up to 74.9 %), with the reduction in spike number per unit area following closely behind (up to 29.1 %). This integrated approach, combining resource use efficiency with a detailed assessment of assimilate dynamics, provides a holistic view of how water and N management strategies impact winter wheat performance. The findings will offer precise insights for developing targeted irrigation and N scheduling strategies for sustaining both winter wheat production and environmental sustainability.

An evaluation of a Browse-aid at the doorsteps of (agro)pastoralists to improve consumption of in situ browses and shrubs and prevent animal deaths during droughts

BackgroundThousands of animals die in Ethiopia during droughts due to unavailability of feed. Large amounts of browses are available during droughts, which animals do not consume because of the presence of tannins. The hypothesis of the study was that the provision of small amounts of Browse-aid (polyethylene glycol-4000) to animals at farmers’ doorsteps would increase browse consumption and body weight gain, and prevent deaths during droughts.MethodsA field study was conducted at two sites in Ethiopia to assess the dietary inclusion of the Browse-aid (daily 5 g and 10 g for shoats; and 15 g and 30 g for cattle) to farmers’ sheep, goats and cattle in areas devoid of grasses during a very dry spell.ResultsInclusion of the Browse-aid to sheep and goats significantly increased the percent body weight gain, and improved the body condition score, skin coat appearance and shine in eyes when compared with those of animals not given the Browse-aid. Similar results were observed in cattle. The foraging frequency of the animals also increased. Nutrient availability to the animals from the increased consumption of browses also increased. Furthermore, the body condition scores of the animals given the Browse-aid were greater than those of the animals that did not participate in the trial but were grazing in the same area.ConclusionBrowse-aid made a positive impact on the production of animals during periods of severe feed scarcity. This strategy of providing the Browse-aid (daily 5 g for sheep and goats, and 15 g for cattle) to animals during droughts is highly cost effective; additionally, compared with currently used feeding strategies, the cost in late 2023 was 60% and 90% lower for sheep and goats, and cattle respectively to prevent animals from dying during droughts. A large number of animals can be prevented from dying during droughts, at a much-reduced cost by the dietary inclusion of a small amount of the Browse-aid. The implications of the study are not restricted to Ethiopia but extend to countries in the Horn of Africa. This is the first study that has investigated the effect of the Browse-aid at the farmers’ doorsteps in the field.

Ethical boundary decisions in intensive care medicine

Ethical decision-making is acornerstone of intensive care and emergency medicine. In acute scenarios, clinicians often face rapid, high-stakes decisions concerning life and death, made more challenging by time constraints and incomplete information. These decisions are further complicated by economic constraints, limited resources, and evolving technological capabilities. What decision-making aids and factors can be employed in ethical borderline cases within intensive care medicine? Fundamental ethical principles such as patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice form the basis for medical treatment decisions. Evaluating the patient's will through advanced directives or proxy consensus is crucial, although advanced directives can be ambiguous. Assessing quality of life is increasingly important, with instruments such as the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) being utilized. For older patients, aholistic approach is recommended, focusing on overall health rather than chronological age. In patients with advanced underlying diseases, amultidisciplinary dialogue is essential. Decision-making in intensive care medicine requires careful consideration of medical, ethical, and individual factors. Despite advances in artificial intelligence and prognostic models, human judgment remains crucial. During periods of resource scarcity, ethically sound triage protocols are required. The challenge lies in applying these principles and factors in clinical practice while respecting the individuality of each patient.

Body Mass Gain in Wild Brown Capuchins (Sapajus apella) in Relation to Fruit Production and Social Dominance.

In ecological contexts natural selection might favor individuals with a larger body mass to monopolize resources; however, there is wide variation in body mass within populations and potential factors. In this study, we evaluated whether fruit production limits body mass in one group of Sapajus apella, its effects on behavior, and whether there is a relationship between social status and body mass. We recorded activity patterns using focal follows (20 min), body mass (using a modified Ohaus scale), and community wide fruit production estimates (from 60 fruit traps). Body mass remained relatively stable during periods of food scarcity, but in periods of abundance most individuals gained weight, as indicated by their relative growth rates (RGR). Subordinate subadults showed the highest RGR, as expected by their age. In periods of high fruit production activities as traveling, grooming, and playing were more frequent than during fruit scarcity, suggesting energy maximization and potential energetic constraints. We found differences in behavior within the group, as the alpha male was observed feeding more frequently (and for longer periods of time), was more aggressive (e.g., feeding trees), and received more grooming than other individuals. In addition, the alpha male was 60% heavier than the group's average body mass. Our study supports the hypothesis that body weight gain is related to fruit abundance and that body size is associated with social dominance; however, large individuals (both males and females) seem to incur in high metabolic or reproductive costs, as they do not gain much weight as smaller individuals.

IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY OF FIVE PLANTS CONSUMED BY WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP

The competition between man and livestock for conventional feedstuffs and the exorbitant cost of concentrate diets can be reduced through the use of alternative feed materials that are cheap, available all year-round. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate in vitro digestibility of Anacardium occidentale, Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica, Gliricidia sepium and Panicum maximum. The plants were sundried and kept in polythene bags for further investigation. In vitro digestibility study was carried out for 24 hours. In vitro gas production and post incubation parameters were measured. In vitro study reveals that at 24 hr of incubation Mangifera indica had highest (P&lt;0.05) value of 20.67mL/200mgDM gas production while lowest value (9.67mL/200mgDM) was obtained in Panicum maximum. Mangifera indica had highest (P&lt;0.05) values for ME, OMD and SCFA across the plants while the least (P&lt;0.05) values were observed in Panicum maximum. The study concluded that the forages investigated can be fed to sheep to improve their nutritional status especially in the period of feed scarcity without any adverse effect on the animals.

Influence of Different Levels of Hydrogel on Root Nodulation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study investigated the impact of varying levels of hydrogel on the root nodules of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2021-22 at the Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, (U.P). The experimental design was a randomized block design with four levels of hydrogel (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and two levels of irrigation (one irrigation and two irrigation) and all treatments replicated thrice. Observations on the number of nodules per plant, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at maturity and analysed using Fisher's ANOVA. The results indicated that hydrogel application significantly affected nodule formation at all growth stages across both years. The highest number of nodules, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded in treatment T10 (2 irrigations + 100% hydrogel), followed by T9 (2 irrigations + 75% hydrogel), in both years. The enhanced nodule formation with hydrogel application was attributed to improved water availability to the roots during periods of water scarcity, highlighting hydrogel's role in optimizing nitrogen availability and promoting chickpea growth, which is crucial for enhancing soil fertility.

Limpograss [Hemarthria altissima] Silage and Protein Supplementation as an Alternative Feed Option for Growing Heifers in North Florida.

Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) is a warm-season perennial grass that has the potential to feed livestock during scarcity periods. This study evaluated the intake, nutrient digestibility, and animal performance of beef heifers fed 'Gibtuck' limpograss silage combined with different levels of a range cube supplementation. Twenty-four heifers (330 ± 16 kg live weight) were submitted to four different treatments with 6 replicates: (1) control, no supplementation + limpograss silage ad libitum; (2) 1.4 kg of supplement + limpograss silage ad libitum; (3) 2.8 kg of supplement + limpograss silage ad libitum; and (4) 4.2 kg of supplement + limpograss silage ad libitum. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein showed a positive quadratic effect with increasing supplementation levels (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Overall, the supplement improved diet digestibility and total DM intake but reduced silage intake, indicating a combined effect (substitutive and additive effect) of the protein supplement. The increasing level of protein supplement increased the average daily gain with a quadratic effect (p ≤ 0.0001). Limpograss silage associated with supplementation can improve diet digestibility and increase the animal performance of growing heifers, providing an alternative for livestock in North Florida.

Assessing the Early Establishment and Adaptability of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions of Punjab, Pakistan

In Punjab, Pakistan, more than 60% expenditure incurred on the feeding of livestock and offered low quality forage thus affecting the productivity of milk and meat. The less production of livestock oriented products often results malnutrition in the society. An effort was made to evaluate the Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) early growth and its adaptation to rainfed and irrigated environments. The main objective of this study is to provide important new information for sustainable fodder production systems. The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block Design with seeds obtained from Korea and was carried out in the winter of 2023 in both rainfed Chakwal and irrigated Sargodha zone of Punjab. The plant's response to varying soil conditions and water availability was evaluated by measuring a range of growth parameters, such as plant height, population density, root and shoot biomass, root length, and the root-shoot ratio. The results show that there are significant differences between rainfed and irrigated locations as established by the statistical analysis. Italian Ryegrass in irrigated plots showed higher mean plant height (43.75 cm), higher plant population (317.50 plants/m²), higher shoot biomass (7.425 g/plant), greater length of roots (5.950 cm), and a lower root-shoot ratio (0.1135) than in rainfed areas. Additionally, the study provides data on soil profiles that show differences between the two locations in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The findings provide important information for enhancing Italian Ryegrass cultivation in Punjab's various agro-ecological zones, given the critical role fodder feed plays in supporting livestock and agriculture. The study provides the basis for well-informed farming practices by highlighting the importance of water management strategies to improve fodder production during scarcity period and, by consequently, animal nutrition in the area.

GENITAL PROLAPSE IN DAIRY COWS IN AN INSTITUTIONAL FARM

In the present report, genital prolapse in primiparous cows and primer heifers in a dairy herd of an institutional farm is described. The seasonal occurrence of such prolapse coincides with periods of relative feed scarcity particularly during the dry season. Due to continuous observations of such occurrence, limited availability of feed, and other management practices can be highlighted as risk factors for genital prolapse in the cows. Consequently, provisions should be made to check these practices, hence reduce occurrences to a minimum in the herd.

Do concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids change during gestation and lactation in healthy bitches?

During the gestation and lactation period, the energy demand in pregnant and lactating bitches is elevated. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are utilized either directly from the fed diet or from body fat storage. High NEFA concentration in the blood plasma leads to an increased risk for diseases. Therefore, measuring blood NEFA concentrations may be an indicator for a period of scarcity. The aim of this study is to explore if serum NEFA concentrations in healthy bitches change during gestation and lactation. Healthy pregnant and lactating bitches were sampled on three appointed dates around parturition. NEFA values were examined with a multiparameter clinical chemistry analyser. All statistical analyses were performed using R. Overall, 38 bitches were enrolled in the study. Twenty-one bitches were sampled on all three appointed dates. The median NEFA concentration antepartum was 0.73 mmol/L (IQR: 0.59, 1.01); during peak lactation, it was 0.57 mmol/L (IQR: 0.44, 0.82); and around weaning, it was 0.58 mmol/L (IQR: 0.46, 0.73). NEFA concentrations rose slightly with litter size in late gestation. Body condition score had no influence on observed NEFA values. We conclude that NEFA concentrations widely remain within reference ranges in well-fed pregnant and lactating bitches. Nevertheless, they may be a valuable parameter to assess the actual metabolic status of malnourished pregnant and lactating bitches.

Hypothalamic hormone deficiency enables physiological anorexia in ground squirrels during hibernation

Mammalian hibernators survive prolonged periods of cold and resource scarcity by temporarily modulating normal physiological functions, but the mechanisms underlying these adaptations are poorly understood. The hibernation cycle of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) lasts for 5–7 months and comprises weeks of hypometabolic, hypothermic torpor interspersed with 24–48-h periods of an active-like interbout arousal (IBA) state. We show that ground squirrels, who endure the entire hibernation season without food, have negligible hunger during IBAs. These squirrels exhibit reversible inhibition of the hypothalamic feeding center, such that hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons exhibit reduced sensitivity to the orexigenic and anorexigenic effects of ghrelin and leptin, respectively. However, hypothalamic infusion of thyroid hormone during an IBA is sufficient to rescue hibernation anorexia. Our results reveal that thyroid hormone deficiency underlies hibernation anorexia and demonstrate the functional flexibility of the hypothalamic feeding center.